Shoot everyone else. Flu shots are recommended for anyone over 6 months of age. If your baby is younger that that, make sure everyone else in the household or has contact with your child gets the flu shot. Also for younger infants it is a good idea to avoid contact with anyone who has a cold if possible.

Baby carriers. P.S. We had good results with taking our 3 week old to disneyland by carrying him in the baby sling all the time when out of our hotel room. People tend to respect the parents' personal space better than they refrain from touching a baby's hands or face when they are exposed in a stroller.
(be aware that some infant slings have been recalled -- positioning can close off the airway!).

Cocoon them. Cdc recommends a technique called "cocooning" to prevent disease in babies too young to vaccinate (or others unable to receive a vaccine, such as immunocompromised). This means having baby's caregivers receive the vaccine to provide a layer of protection around her/him. Other strategies are good handwashing, minimizing taking baby into crowds, and asking ill contacts to not visit or wear a mask.

Vaccinate caregivers. If your baby is too young (under 6 months) when flu shots are available, the next best thing is that all caregivers (parents, nannies, baby sitters) should get their flu shots to give the baby a ring of protection from the flu. You should also be careful taking your baby out and being around sick people. Continuing breastfeeding can also increase protection.

Immunize family... ...Members and caregivers in contact with the baby, and avoid unnecessary contacts. Also, of course, handwashing and proper hygiene, and breastfeeding, contribute to the baby's protection.

Handwashing. To prevent the spread of influenza and other viral infections, there are a few measures to follow: frequent handwashing, avoiding taking very young infants to crowded places such as malls (esp. Under 3 months old), and avoiding letting friends/visitors who are sick hold the baby. No family members should smoke since smoke exposure greatly increases the risk of respiratory infections in children.

You can get the shot. Children under 6 months cannot get the flu vaccine, but those around them can and should. This includes the parents, siblings and all other caregivers and close contacts. In addition, good hand washing and avoiding large crowds, daycare and sick individuals lessens the risk of catching the flu.

Immunize caretakers. Immunization of the parents and any caregivers and avoiding crowded places during flu season will help to reduce the risk of exposure for the baby. In addition, studies have shown that immunizing the mother during pregnancy can give protection to the baby.

Vaccinate yourself! Vaccinate yourself and everyone who is going to spend time with your baby and make everyone wash their hands well before touching the baby. If they are sick themselves, they should stay away.

You get the shot. Be sure that all eligible family members receive the flu shot. Also, recommend that all family and friends who contact your newborn get the "tdap" variety of the "tetanus booster" to prevent exposure of babies to pertussis (whooping cough). This way we can "cocoon" babies and protect them from dangerous diseases.

Boost immunity. A baby's immunity can be boosted naturally by optimal nutrition. Breastfeeding until one year of age is highly recommended. A breastfeeding mom should eat a healthy diet. If the baby is eating solids his/her diet should initially consist of pureed fruits and vegetables with limited sugary processed foods. Subsequent food should be healthy whole foods.

Vaccinate his family. Children under 6 months are not eligible for the flu shot, but are at great risk if they acquire the flu. It is essential that everyone in the baby's world-parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, etc. Be vaccinated. This creates a protective cocoon against influenza.

Vaccinate the others. If flu vaccine is given to everybody else around a baby, then the baby has much less chance of catching the flu. Staying away from crowds is another way to decrease the chance of a baby getting the flu from someone. Also, breastfeeding may help, as some protective antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the breastmilk.

Not enough. The antibodies in breast milk are predominantly IgA, otherwise called gut antibody, because they help prevent germs from attaching & invading the gut wall. Mothers make IgG after a flu shot, and a little comes across in BM but not enough to be considered protective. If the kid is 6 mo they can get a flu shot.Before then we encourage any of their contacts to get one to "cocoon" baby in protection.
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Not enough. The antibodies in breast milk are predominantly IgA, otherwise called gut antibody, because they help prevent germs from attaching & invading the gut wall. Mothers make IgG after a flu shot, and a little comes across in BM but not enough to be considered protective. If the kid is 6 mo they can get a flu shot.Before then we encourage any of their contacts to get one to "cocoon" baby in protection.
Read more...